I am just looking to get some knowledge and opinions on the sinhala and siddham scripts. I am going to get a tattoo with the Pali mantra/chant "May all beings be well." I am debating between these two scripts. Now from what I understand, Sinhala was the original Pali script...and since I am part Thai(Theravada School), the Sinhala script would be perfect. But I also like the way the Siddham script looks, and i understand it is used more for Sanskrit. The Siddham script is much bolder and has less characters for this mantra, so it flows nicely with the rest of the tattoo. So all that being said, let me also mention this...i am going to do what i feel is right in my mind for this, but i just would like to be as educated as i can be before i make my decision. Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you!

"And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting oneself one protects others? By the pursuit, development, and cultivation of the four establishments of mindfulness. It is in such a way that by protecting oneself one protects others.

"And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting others one protects oneself? By patience, harmlessness, goodwill, and sympathy. It is in such a way that by protecting others one protects oneself.- Sedaka Sutta [SN 47.19]

yes it is an artistic decision for sure. i am just realizing this as i have been searching through the Pali sub forum. and the Thai is nice, something to think about...but i already have some Thai script tattooed. thank you for your input!

Just watch out for unscrupulous tattoo artists with a knowledge of ancient scripts who might make a joke of writing "Brahma is my Atta" or something.

"And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting oneself one protects others? By the pursuit, development, and cultivation of the four establishments of mindfulness. It is in such a way that by protecting oneself one protects others.

"And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting others one protects oneself? By patience, harmlessness, goodwill, and sympathy. It is in such a way that by protecting others one protects oneself.- Sedaka Sutta [SN 47.19]

Well its nice to have so many options! I will most likely use a few different scripts to transiliterate other Pali mantras, chants, or phrases elsewhere on my body. But for this piece in particular, the Siddham script will cap of a sleeve nicely on the wrist. It just fits perfectly. I can use the Khmer, Thai, and Sinhalese text for other pieces.

stickywater wrote:Well its nice to have so many options! I will most likely use a few different scripts to transiliterate other Pali mantras, chants, or phrases elsewhere on my body. But for this piece in particular, the Siddham script will cap of a sleeve nicely on the wrist. It just fits perfectly. I can use the Khmer, Thai, and Sinhalese text for other pieces.

If you do not have a copy of of it, I would recommend John Stevens' SACRED CALLIGRAPHY OF THE EAST.